Alma College Changes Policies After Student Death

The death of an 18-year-old Alma College student on a cold January night in 2014 prompted the college to re-evaluate its alcohol-related policies.  After the tragedy, the private college did two things: Hire the Grand Rapids law firm of Warner, Norcross and Judd to conduct an external investigation, and form a safety task force of faculty, staff and students.  Alma College officials said the most significant ideas for changes came from the task force and students themselves.  The college toughened its sanctions, added more events for students who don’t want to party and also increased the height of railings in apartments to reduce the risk of falls.